Newton Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI) of Sussex County has joined six other N.J. counties in the second annual Communities of Light domestic violence awareness campaign. At dusk on Sunday, Dec. 16, rows of luminaries will be lit on driveways and walkways at various businesses and neighborhoods throughout Sussex County to show support for families struggling with domestic violence in their lives. Merchants at Olde Lafayette Village in Lafayette and Lake Mohawk in Sparta will participate on that evening, and Newton merchants will light up Spring St. on Thursday, Dec. 13 during their annual Stroll Along Spring St. holiday event. The public is encouraged to participate, and DASI representatives are available to speak at or facilitate a lighting event. Luminaria kits, including nine votive candles and nine white bags that can be filled with sand or cat litter, will light 150 linear feet, and are available for $10 from DASI and their local Communities of Light volunteers. Last year several neighborhoods lined their sidewalks and held block parties and open houses to show their support. Communities of Light was established in 2002 by Womanspace in Mercer County, and has been joined by Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean and Burlington counties n. The goal is for the event to someday include all counties in the state. “It would be a fantastic sight and a powerful message if all counties in New Jersey joined together to light up the night against domestic violence,” stated Jamie Bernard, DASI Executive Director, “We are so glad several Sussex County communities have chosen to participate.” For information or to purchase luminaria kits, contact DASI at 973-579-2386.